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House Professional Licensure Committee hears support for licensure of well drillers
Summary
State agency and industry witnesses urged the Pennsylvania House Professional Licensure Committee to create statewide licensure for water, geothermal, geotechnical and environmental well drillers, proposing categories of credentialing, a two‑year grandfathering period and oversight by the State Board of Crane Operators.
Harrisburg — State geologists, drilling contractors and professional geologists told the Pennsylvania House Professional Licensure Committee on Monday that the Commonwealth should establish formal licensure for water, geothermal, geotechnical and environmental well drillers to protect drinking water and strengthen industry accountability.
"Driller licensure will establish statewide construction and siting standards for private wells through best industry practices," said Gail Blackmer, state geologist and director of DCNR's Bureau of Geological Survey, arguing licensure would "strengthen accountability within the industry" and support "public health and consumer protection." (Gail Blackmer)
The witnesses described a licensing framework that would include two tiers — an "expert" multi‑technique credential and a "specialized" single‑technique credential — plus a trainee entry category, examinations set by the board, continuing education and biennial renewal.…
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